If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and melty cheesy goodness, the Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. This dish masterfully combines tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with ooey-gooey cheese inside a perfectly crisped tortilla. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive snack to share with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe are simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create a delicious balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures. Each item plays an important role — from the buttery tortillas giving that perfect golden crust to the shredded chicken soaking up the lively buffalo sauce.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken for juicy, tender bites.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: This adds just the right kick of spicy tanginess that defines the dish.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Melted butter ensures the quesadillas get beautifully crisp and golden in the pan.
- 4 10-inch flour tortillas: Soft yet sturdy tortillas are the perfect vessel to hold all that flavorful goodness.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla melts into gooey, savory perfection.
- Ranch dressing: For dipping, offering a cool contrast to the heat of buffalo sauce.
- Fresh chopped cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Buffalo Chicken
Start by combining the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce in a bowl. This step ensures each tender piece is coated evenly, infusing every bite with that classic spicy flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Skillet
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter not only adds richness but also helps the tortillas turn golden and crispy—key to a perfect quesadilla texture.
Step 3: Assemble Your Quesadilla
Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over it, then spread half of your buffalo chicken mixture on top. Add another ½ cup of cheese on the chicken to create that melty, cheesy layer, then cover with a second tortilla.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown
Cook the quesadilla for about 2 minutes, allowing the bottom tortilla to get a lovely golden brown color. Flip carefully and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes until it’s also golden and the cheese inside has melted completely.
Step 5: Repeat for the Second Quesadilla
Remove the cooked quesadilla and repeat all these steps with the remaining ingredients using the other half of the chicken mixture, cheese, and tortillas. This way, you’ll get two delicious quesadillas ready to serve.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these quesadillas, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a hint of brightness. Serve alongside a bowl of cool ranch dressing, which balances the heat from the buffalo sauce perfectly and adds a creamy touch.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas pair wonderfully with simple sides like crisp celery sticks or a leafy green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. These accompaniments offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy flavors in the quesadillas.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, cut your quesadillas into wedges and serve them stacked or fanned out on a large platter. Add small cups of ranch and extra buffalo sauce for dipping to encourage a fun, shareable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, tightly wrap your quesadillas in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect ready-to-eat lunch or snack option.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe portions by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the exterior crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the tortillas soggy and the cheese lose its perfect melty texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Mexican cheese blends work beautifully, you can substitute with mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for an extra spicy twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
The spiciness depends heavily on your buffalo sauce choice. If you want milder quesadillas, pick a less spicy sauce or tone it down by adding a bit more butter when mixing with the chicken.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with seasoned shredded jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms tossed in buffalo sauce for a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers fantastic flavor.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
The easiest method is to use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts or thighs while they’re still warm. This creates a perfect shredded texture that absorbs the buffalo sauce thoroughly.
Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can, but be aware that corn tortillas tend to be more fragile and might break during cooking. If you prefer corn, warming them slightly beforehand helps prevent cracking when folding and flipping.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with how simple ingredients transform into a dish packed with spicy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a tasty snack to impress friends, these quesadillas are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Don’t wait – give this recipe a try and enjoy every melty, crispy bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas are a deliciously spicy and cheesy twist on a classic favorite, combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce with melted Mexican cheese inside crispy, buttery tortillas. Perfect as a quick lunch or game-day snack, served with cooling ranch dressing and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Quesadillas
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 10-inch flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
To Serve
- Ranch dressing
- Fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Heat Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the quesadillas.
- Assemble Quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Evenly sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the tortilla, then add half of the buffalo chicken mixture on top. Sprinkle another ½ cup of cheese over the chicken, and place a second tortilla on top to form the quesadilla.
- Cook First Side: Cook the quesadilla for about 2 minutes or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning.
- Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Repeat and Serve: Remove the cooked quesadilla and repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining ingredients. Cut each quesadilla into wedges, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the tortillas while ensuring the cheese melts thoroughly.
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or peppers to the buffalo chicken mixture before assembling.
- To make it spicier, add extra buffalo sauce or serve with hot sauce alongside.
- Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
